As of 6pm AEST Friday 4 March 2022, the following rules apply for wearing face masks:

• Required in healthcare settings, residential aged care, disability accommodation, on public transport, in prisons, detention centres, airports and on planes
• Required for visitors to healthcare settings , but mask may be removed while undergoing a face-to-face service (as determined by your healthcare provider)
• Required when on public transport or its platform / terminal, or when in or waiting for a taxi, rideshare vehicle or commercial shuttle
• Required outside of your home or accommodation if you have a temperature equal to or higher than 37.5 degrees, or if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you’re awaiting a COVID-19 PCR test result
• Required if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19, are a close contact, or are an international traveller (in accordance with other public health directions).

Masks are no longer required in schools, including for staff, students and visitors.

Masks are still recommended whenever you can’t socially distance.

Children under 12 years and people affected by a medical condition or disability do not have to wear a face mask.

Exceptions from wearing face masks

There are some exceptions to wearing a face mask, including:

• when you’re eating, drinking or taking medicine
• children under 12
• when you are undertaking a disaster recovery or clean-up activity
• performing work where clear visibility of the mouth is required, e.g. a speech therapist in a hospital or healthcare setting
• where visibility of the mouth is essential
• where a mask needs to be removed to clearly communicate
• a person with a particular medical condition or disability
• a person who works on public transport infrastructure who does not have any interaction with the public and can socially distance (This is subject to the employer’s requirements)
• a resident of a residential aged care facility or a shared disability accommodation service (This is subject to any policies or requirements of a facility or service)
• a prisoner in a corrective services facility or a detainee in a detention centre (This is subject to any policies or requirements of that facility or centre)
• if a person is asked to remove a face mask for identity purposes
• if wearing a mask creates a risk to a person’s health and safety
• in an emergency or when required by law
• in any circumstances when it’s not safe to wear a mask
• if you are an air crew member or airport worker who is not interacting directly with passengers

A person who removes their face mask under an exemption must resume wearing a face mask as soon as practical. For example, as soon as they finish eating, broadcasting or receiving medical care.

As of 6pm AEST Friday 4 March 2022, the following rules apply for public health and social measures:

Eased restrictions for businesses

From 4 March 2022, density limits (the number of people permitted within a square metre) on venues and events are removed.

Weddings and private hire venues still have capacity restrictions. If anyone attending is unvaccinated, a maximum of 20 people is allowed.

Non-essential leisure businesses (where vaccination is a condition of entry) must continue to use the Check In Qld app. There continue to be no density restrictions on these businesses.

Check In Qld app

You must continue to use the Check In Qld app for entry to businesses where vaccination is a condition of entry:

• hospitality venues including cafés, restaurants, pubs, clubs, RSL clubs, taverns, function centres, bars, wineries, distilleries and microbreweries, but not including food courts
• entertainment venues including nightclubs, indoor live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres, cinema, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, casinos and gaming venues, convention and entertainment centres, adult entertainment venues and brothels, theme parks, and tourism experiences, zoos aquariums and wildlife centres, and showgrounds
• stadiums (indoor and outdoor), for all major sporting matches and other events with capacity for 5000 or more visitors. However, the Check In Qld app is not required for sporting stadiums with a capacity of less than 5000
• festivals
• Government owned galleries, museums and libraries
• wedding ceremonies and receptions, when more than 20 people attend, including the wedding party and officials
• private hire of a venue, where more than 20 people attend
• vulnerable settings (hospitals , residential aged care and disability accommodation services).

There are no density restrictions on these businesses.

The Check In Qld app is no longer required for entering businesses where vaccination is not a condition of entry.

Collection of contact information by business operators

Operators of businesses where vaccination is required as a condition of entry, must continue to collect contact information, proof of vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication from all staff, guests and patrons when entering the establishment by using the Check In Qld app.

If a business operator cannot use the Check In Qld app, they must use alternative measures to record the contact information details.

Obligation of staff

For businesses where vaccination is required as a condition of entry, any member of staff must give their contact information, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication by using the Check In Qld app or another measure of record keeping before entering their place of work.

A staff member is not required to give their contact information, proof of vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication if they are:

• under the age of 16 years
• entering to provide emergency services
• exercising law enforcement
• at risk of safety.

Community responsibilities

You must provide your contact information, proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication by using the Check In Qld app or another method of record keeping, before entering a business establishment in which vaccination is requirement of entry.

A person may give these entry requirements on behalf of another person who:

• is under the age of 16 years
• has a disability
• speaks a language other than English and is unable to understand the Check In Qld app
• has barriers because of the technology used in relation to the App.

A person is not required to give their contact information, proof of vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication if they are:

• under the age of 16 years
• in primary or secondary school and is part of a group attending an activity organised by a school, sporting team or community group
• exercising law enforcement
• a staff member entering to provide emergency services or works
• at risk of safety.

For example:

• a group of students attending a museum for a school excursion do not need to show proof of vaccination
• a firefighter responding to an emergency call may enter a business during a fire without showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Restrictions for unvaccinated people

Unvaccinated people are not permitted to:

• visit vulnerable settings, including hospitals, residential aged care, disability accommodation services, and prisons. This does not apply to residents and patients of these facilities, and there will be some exceptions for medical treatment, end-of-life visits, childbirth and emergency situations
• attend hospitality venues such as hotels, pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants or cafes
• attend indoor entertainment venues such as nightclubs, live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres or cinemas, and planetariums
• attend outdoor entertainment activities such as sporting stadiums, theme parks or tourism experience like reef excursions and observatories
• attend festivals – either indoor or outdoor – such as musical festivals, folk festivals or arts festivals
• attend Queensland Government owned galleries, museums or libraries.

If anyone attending a wedding is unvaccinated, the wedding is restricted to a maximum of 20 people.

Funerals will not be limited to only vaccinated people. This is because funerals sometimes occur at short notice and often under difficult circumstances, making it hard to ensure all attendees are vaccinated. There are no occupant density limits on funerals.

Venues used for private hire have no capacity limit if people attending are fully vaccinated. However, if there is a person attending who is not fully vaccinated, a maximum of 20 people are permitted.

The restrictions in place target non-essential leisure activities which are not essential for people to meet their basic needs but present a considerable risk to contributing to an outbreak in our community.

Essential services and activities

Both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people are able to access essential services and activities.

This means unvaccinated people may still go to grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, news agents and clothing stores, and participate in activities like going to the gym for exercise.

Fully vaccinated

Fully vaccinated means a person has had the required two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. It does not include a booster shot or a two-week wait after the second dose.

Proof of vaccination

Proof of vaccination verifies that a person is fully vaccinated. Before entering a business establishment or venue in which vaccination is a required, there are several ways you can show your proof of vaccination (may be printed or electronic):

• your vaccination information displayed on the Check in Qld app. Find out how to add your proof of vaccination status to the Check in Qld app
• written confirmation of COVID-19 vaccination provided to you as part of the vaccination process, such as your record of vaccine card
• a COVID-19 digital certificate or printed vaccination certificate from the Australian Immunisation Register
• an online or printed immunisation history statement for COVID-19 vaccination, including confirmation of a medical contraindication. Your COVID-19 vaccination certificate can be viewed or printed through:
  • Medicare Online via MyGov
  • Express Plus Medicare mobile app
  • My Health Record
• an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate:
  • in a printed or electronic form from the Department of Home Affairs that confirms completion of an Australia Travel Declaration and vaccination against COVID-19 overseas; or
  • through Medicare online account through MyGov or the Medicare mobile app; or
  • an official record of vaccination provided to the person when vaccinated against COVID-19 overseas.

If you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccination because of a medical contraindication or participation in a COVID-19 vaccination trial, you must provide evidence. If you present a valid medical contraindication or evidence of participation in a COVID-19 vaccine trial you will be treated as if you are fully vaccinated for entry and density requirements.

You do not need to present proof of vaccination (or evidence of a medical contraindication) if any of these apply:

• you are younger than 16 years
• you are exercising law enforcement, intelligence, or national security functions on behalf of a government agency
• to undertake a legislated regulatory or compliance function, where delay in carrying out the function would cause a safety risk
• as part of official union duties in response to an emergent need
• if it would present a risk to your safety.

Exemption from COVID-19 vaccination

The persons who are exempted from getting a COVID-19 vaccination include those who have medical contraindications or are participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial.

Contraindications

A person who cannot be vaccinated must show an evidence of contraindication. This is a medical certificate stating that a person is exempted from getting a COVID-19 vaccination. This can be downloaded from the Australian Immunisation Register.

A legally qualified medical practitioner is required to complete the medical exemption form and record this on the Australian Immunisation Register.

A person that has evidence of a medical contraindication will be treated as if they are fully vaccinated and may be permitted to enter and remain in business venues with eased restrictions for fully vaccinated people.

Close contacts

You are a close contact if you have been with a person that has COVID-19 for more than four hours in a house or other accommodation, a care facility or similar.

Usually, this means you are a close contact if you live with a person that has COVID-19. But, if you have stayed away from them, you are not a close contact. For example, if they are in a separate part of the house that has a separate entrance and no shared common areas, and if your contact with them wasn’t more than four hours.

You are not a close contact if you have had COVID-19 in the past 4 weeks.

You are not a close contact if you live with a close contact.

Follow these steps if you are a close contact.

1. Immediately quarantine

Quarantine means you need to stay away from other people as much as possible because you are at highest risk of getting COVID-19 and if you do, you may spread it to others.

If you are a close contact, you need to immediately quarantine yourself at your home, or other suitable accommodation, for 7 full days from the date you last had contact with the person that has COVID-19. If you live with them, your quarantine will last the same amount of time as their isolation period.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, even mild, when you find out that you are a close contact, you must get tested. You can get tested using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or a PCR test. If you test positive, follow the first steps if you have COVID-19.

If you are not home or at your accommodation when you find out you are a close contact, immediately go home or to your accommodation using private transport like your car, scooter or walking, or an endorsed transport provider.

If you don’t have somewhere suitable to quarantine, you may be able to relocate to a different quarantine place. Otherwise, you can call 134 COVID (134 268) for help.

During your quarantine as a close contact

During your quarantine period, you must not leave your place of quarantine except for these permitted purposes:

• to get a COVID-19 test if you develop COVID-19 symptoms or as part of the testing requirements as a close contact. You should not leave quarantine to buy a Rapid Antigen test (RAT). You can, however, travel to a testing clinic to get a RAT or a PCR test
• to transport a diagnosed person or close contact you are quarantining with to get a COVID-19 test
• to avoid injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm
• in an emergency
• to perform work as a critically essential worker (and you can meet all the requirements of one). You must travel by the most direct route to your workplace and return to quarantine as soon as you finish work.
• as required or permitted by an emergency officer.

Any travel you do, for the permitted purposes above, while you are in quarantine must be by:

• private transport
• endorsed transport provider
• ambulance service
• emergency services vehicle
• transport arranged by a government authority.

Who can enter the place you are quarantining in

You must not allow anyone to enter where you are quarantining, unless they:

• usually live there or are quarantining with you
• are required to enter in an emergency
• are allowed to enter by an emergency officer.

If you have household members who are not close contacts

If you are a close contact but some or all of your household members are not a close contact or a diagnosed case, they do not have to quarantine. However, you should remain separate from other people that ordinarily reside in the same place as you.

If you get COVID-19, anyone in your household at the time will become a close contact.

If children are close contacts

Children must follow the same requirements as adults if they are close contacts.

Children cannot go to school or childcare if they are a close contact. This applies even if you are a critically essential worker and are allowed to leave quarantine to work.

Face masks

You must wear a face mask (unless it is not practicable for safety reasons) when leaving your house or accommodation, for a permitted purpose, during your quarantine period.

Anyone who is transporting you as a close contact must wear a face mask at all times as well.

2. Get tested if you have symptoms

If you develop symptoms at any time while you’re in quarantine, get tested.

If you need to leave quarantine to get tested, use private transport, wear a mask and keep your distance from others. Immediately return to quarantine after you’ve had your test.

If you test positive, follow the first steps if you have COVID-19.

3. Get the things you need

Most people will be in quarantine for up to 7 days. It’s important you have everything you need for staying home.

• Any deliveries must be no contact.
• Ask friends or family members you don’t live with to get food and medication for you and leave it at your door.
• Arrange a food delivery service. Have all food left outside your house. Do not let any delivery person into your home or accommodation.

If you need a prescription filled, arrange this with your usual pharmacist or GP. They can deliver it to your home or accommodation, or you can let your friend or family member know where to collect the medication.

Home care workers and other providers of essential services like nurses are exempt from restrictions to enter your home. However, if you receive these services it is important that you let the service providers know that you are a close contact and are in quarantine.

If you can’t get family or friends to help you, contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

4. Look after yourself

While you are staying home, use our tips on looking after your mental wellbeing and keeping healthy and active at home.

If you are worried about your mental health, read about when to seek help and the mental health services available to support you.

If you need any other support while you’re in isolation, read our guide on where to get help.

5. Get tested on day 6

Get tested on day 6 of your quarantine period. You can get tested using a RAT kit or a PCR test.

If the test result is negative and you have no COVID-19 symptoms at the end of day 7 of your quarantine period, you can end quarantine.

Remember that the days of your quarantine period start counting:

• if you live with the person diagnosed with COVID-19, from the date that person took the initial test that returned a positive result
• if you do not live with the person diagnosed with COVID-19, from the date you last had contact with them.

If you test positive, follow the first steps if you have COVID-19.

After completing your quarantine period

Once you complete your quarantine period, you are not considered a close contact.

For 7 days after completing your quarantine period, you must:

• monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
• get a COVID test if you develop COVID-19 symptoms, and quarantine while you wait for the result
• wear a face mask at all times outside the home, including outdoors, when unable to remain physically distant from persons other than household members. This is in addition to any current mandatory face mask requirements in Queensland
• not enter a vulnerable and high risk setting unless you are an employee, you require medical care or another exemption applies.

Entering Queensland from another state or territory (interstate travel)

From 1am AEST Saturday 15 January 2022, domestic border restrictions for people entering from interstate are no longer in place.

You can enter Queensland from elsewhere in Australia without restrictions.

Restrictions may apply if you have been overseas in the last 14 days and you did not enter in a quarantine free flight from a safe travel country.

While in Queensland

While you are in Queensland, you must:

• monitor your health and get tested if you develop COVID-19 symptoms
• check in to venues using the Check In Qld app
• provide proof of vaccination to enter non-essential venues. (Tip: the Check In Qld app also allows you to link your vaccination certificate to the app.)
• follow face mask requirements.

If you or someone you live with (or are staying with in Queensland) has COVID-19

If you get COVID-19, isolate and follow the first steps if you have COVID-19.

If someone you live with or are staying with in Queensland gets COVID-19, see the quarantine and testing requirements for close contacts.

Entering Queensland from overseas

From 1am AEST Saturday 22 January, fully vaccinated international arrivals to Queensland are not required to quarantine if:

• they have undertaken a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of their arrival in Queensland, and
• they isolate at their residence, accommodation or boat until they receive a negative result.

Those who test positive should follow First steps if you have COVID-19.

An international arrival who undertook a COVID-19 test in another State or Territory within 24 hours of arrival in Australia and received a negative test result, does not have to undertake a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival in Queensland.

A fully vaccinated international arrival must not use public transport to travel to their residence, accommodation or boat. They must travel directly by private vehicle, hire car, taxi, endorsed transport provider or ride share.

Unvaccinated international travellers entering Queensland must enter via Brisbane International Airport.

About international arrivals

You are considered an international arrival if you have been in a place outside of Australia in the last 14 days immediately before your arrival in Queensland, including from a safe travel zone country on a quarantine-free flight.

To enter Australia, you need to get the appropriate approvals from the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs (Opens in new window)

Entering Queensland as a fully vaccinated international arrival

You are not required to quarantine if:

• you have undertaken a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of your arrival in Queensland, and
• you isolate at your residence, accommodation or boat until you receive a negative result.

If you test positive, follow First steps if you have COVID-19.

Entering Queensland as an unvaccinated international arrival

Unvaccinated travellers permitted to enter Australia by the Commonwealth will need to quarantine on arrival at Queensland in government-nominated accommodation, unless the unvaccinated traveller is a minor (a person under the age of 18 years). Further information on quarantine for unvaccinated minors is provided below.

Arriving by air

If arriving by air, you must enter Queensland via Brisbane International Airport.

After completing immigration, customs and any other requirements, you must travel by an endorsed transport provider or as otherwise instructed, directly to your government-nominated accommodation and quarantine for 14 days.

Arriving by sea

If arriving by sea, an international arrival need only quarantine at government-nominated accommodation or onboard a boat for the number of days that will bring the total combined days at sea and in quarantine to 14 days. If someone is ill or there is a suspected COVID-19 case on the boat, time aboard the boat travelling to Queensland does not count towards the 14-day quarantine period. For example, an unvaccinated passenger of a boat who was at sea for 5 days must quarantine either on board the boat or at government nominated accommodation for 9 days, if all passengers and crew members of the boat were healthy and did not display symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Quarantine for minors

An international arrival who is an unvaccinated minor (accompanied by a fully vaccinated international arrival, or unaccompanied) may quarantine for 14 days at a private residence or accommodation.

An unvaccinated minor is a person aged 16 or 17 years of age who has not received the prescribed two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The minor should not attend school or a vulnerable and high-risk setting during the 14-day quarantine period. They must undertake a COVID-19 test (RAT or PCR) on Day 0-1 and Day 12, or if they have COVID-19 symptoms.

A minor who is under 16 years is not required to quarantine as they are considered fully vaccinated.

During quarantine

A person who is required to quarantine at a government-nominated accommodation, must travel there directly by endorsed transport provider or as instructed by an emergency officer.

If quarantining at a private residence (in the case of an unvaccinated minor) you must travel there directly by private vehicle, taxi, rideshare, endorsed transport provider or care hire (not by public transport).

While in quarantine you must:

• not leave for 14 days, except:
  • in an emergency situation
  • for safety reasons (to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm)
  • for essential medical care at a hospital, if allowed by the authority
  • to depart on another international flight
  • as otherwise required or permitted under a direction given to you by a public health emergency officer
• not allow anyone else to enter the premises where you are quarantining, unless they are:
  • needed for an emergency situation
  • a resident of the premises or staying in the premises for quarantine reasons
  • required to enter by an emergency officer to conduct a COVID-19 test
  • directed to enter by an emergency officer for an emergency and their contact details are recorded.
• only open the door to your room for a permitted purpose if everyone inside is wearing a surgical face mask
• travel in an ambulance if leaving quarantine for medical care and returning to quarantine after care has been received
• travel in an emergency services vehicle or transport arranged by a government authority if leaving quarantine for any other allowed purpose.
• If on a balcony, you cannot:
  • physically interact with other guests
  • accept or pass over items between balconies
  • enter another guest’s balcony.

Read more about quarantine in government-nominated accommodation

Quarantine exceptions in government-nominated accommodations

If you are an unvaccinated international arrival, you do not need to quarantine in a government-nominated accommodation if you:

• transfer directly to another international flight to leave Australia without leaving the confines of the airport; or
• transfer directly to another boat to leave Australia without leaving the port; or
• quarantine in government-nominated accommodation until the time of their international flight or the boat to leaves Australia; or
• transfer directly to a domestic flight to leave Queensland without leaving the confines of the airport; or
• are a maritime crew member entering Queensland who is not required to quarantine under the Protocol for maritime crew members joining or signing off a vessel in Queensland approved by the Chief Health Officer; or
• have been at sea for 14 days or more; or
• are a minor (accompanied by a fully vaccinated international arrival, or unaccompanied) – see Quarantine for minors above
• are a consular employee.

Entering Queensland from a safe travel zone country

People who are not visa holders, Australian citizens or permanent residents may be able to enter Queensland from Safe Travel Zone Countries. You must comply with all eligibility requirements of the Australian Government for travelling to Australia from a safe travel zone country. Information about quarantine free flights from safe travel zone countries is available from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Entering Queensland as a seasonal worker

The Seasonal Workers International Quarantine Plans and Checklist Direction was revoked on 22 January 2022 and is no longer in effect.

Seasonal workers may enter Queensland as international arrivals. If fully vaccinated, you don’t have to quarantine if:

• you undertake a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival in Queensland, and
• you isolate at your residence, accommodation or boat until you receive a negative result.

Unvaccinated international arrivals must quarantine in government-nominated accommodation for 14 days.

Entering Queensland as maritime crew

Maritime crew entering Queensland to join a vessel or sign off a vessel need to comply with the Protocol for Maritime Crew .

Entering Queensland as air crew

All air crew arriving from overseas are required to follow quarantine requirements under the Quarantine and COVID-19 Testing for Air Crew Direction (No. 2).

More information

Quarantine and other Requirements for International Arrivals Direction (No. 20).